Structures utilizing phase change for heat management applications

Abstract

An article is described that comprises a reticulated foam structure comprising a first ceramic or metal composition, and a second ceramic or metal composition disposed within the reticulated foam structure. The article may be compressed and sintered to form a monolith that can be used for mange heat by consuming heat energy through a phase change of one of the compositions.

Having thus described the invention, it is claimed: 
     
       1. An article formed by the process of:
 coating a polymer foam structure with a slurry comprising a plurality of particles comprising a first material having a phase change temperature; 
 heating the coated polymer foam structure to a first temperature that is less than the phase change temperature and for a first period of time that is sufficient to sinter the plurality of particles comprising the first material into a monolithic foam; 
 infiltrating the monolithic foam with a plurality of particles comprising a second material having a melting point greater than the phase change temperature; and 
 heating the infiltrated monolithic foam to a second temperature that is less than the phase change temperature and for a second period of time that is sufficient to sinter the plurality of particles comprising the second material and simultaneously applying a pressure to the infiltrated monolithic foam sufficient to form a monolithic article, wherein the first and second materials are present only as sintered particles, 
 wherein the first material comprises B 4 C, and the second material comprises TaC and Ta 2 C. 
 
     
     
       2. The article of  claim 1 , wherein the second temperature is approximately 1650° C. and the pressure is approximately 1000 psi.